Apps

How QR codes and BDO Pay can support the adventurer in you

Balancing cashless, cash transactions

Published

November 26, 2024

GadgetMatch

You’ve probably already used a Quick Response code especially in the last few years. Simply known as QR codes, this technology serves various purposes, from providing shortcuts to online links to filling out survey or appointment forms and more.

But arguably its most popular application in digital space is for convenient and seamless cashless transactions. After all, the advent of technology has made it easier for individuals to manage their banking and finances, as well as to transact practically on a daily basis.

With QR codes continuing to become more prevalent, BDO Pay uses them in many ways to make these transactions – digital or not (yes, cash) even more convenient.

Supporting the adventurer in you

One of BDO’s banking innovations to stay ahead of the curve, BDO Pay strikes a convenient balance between cashless transactions and even scenarios that require the use of cash.

Together with smartphones, BDO Pay can support the adventurer in you by providing fast, easy, and secure payments for whatever you’ll need throughout your trip.

It’s safe to say that smartphones have become the modern swiss army knives for most people. These handy devices serve as their portable cameras, sources of entertainment, communication tools through social media and other platforms, and even mini workstations through Microsoft and Google.

And for enthusiasts going on a quick vacation, a concert, or even watching sporting events or attending a toy fair, all they need nowadays to enjoy their trips are their phones and BDO Pay (and QR codes, of course).

A convenient balance

Suppose you’re at a toy fair at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia and you’ve underestimated how much you actually needed for all the collectibles present there.

BDO Pay lets you transact with merchants as long as they have QRPh. By just scanning the merchant’s QRPh code, you can already pay using the BDO Pay app.

And for scenarios where only cold hard cash is accepted, BDO Pay offers the same convenience. Using the app, just generate a QR code, head to the nearest BDO ATM, and facilitate a cardless cash withdrawal.

You read that right: there’s no need to enter your account details or insert an ATM card anymore. That way, you only need your phone and the BDO Pay app.

Besides, as BDO is one of the foremost banking institutions in the country, spotting a BDO ATM is as easy as 1-2-3.

On an IG-worthy restaurant while out-of-town? Purchasing souvenirs from some of the top tourist destinations here? Need extra cash to extend your trip or fuel your shopping spree?

It doesn’t matter whether you pay in cashless or cash. BDO Pay’s got your back with its QR features.

BDO Pay to beat the holiday rush

Furthermore, BDO Pay makes it easier to send money to loved ones, with free BDO-to-BDO transfers and transfers to other banks and wallets at only P10 via InstaPay.

It may be just a quick trip to the local market or nearby. If ever your friends and family run out of cash to use, it’s easy to send them unique QR codes to withdraw on their own via BDO ATMs.

And with the holiday season fast-approaching, leveraging BDO Pay to send QR codes to your godchildren can be a convenient alternative.

Save yourself the hassle of going out during the holiday rush and let them withdraw it at their convenience. You do not only get to avoid stress but it teaches them how to become more financially responsible as well.

Knowing how to leverage QR codes and BDO Pay together will make everything hassle-free and let you focus on being the adventurer you always dreamed of.

This feature is a collaboration between GadgetMatch and BDO Unibank.

Apps

Meta adds subscriptions for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp

Published

May 28, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Is your wallet buckling from the weight of so many subscription services? Well, Meta has a trio of new subscriptions for you to sink your hard-earned cash towards. If you have a few dollars, here’s Facebook Plus, Instagram Plus, and WhatsApp Plus.

All three subscriptions are designed to add new features which can enhance the experience for those who practically live on these apps. Among the three, Instagram Plus is the meatiest. It offers users the ability to view other people’s Stories without showing up as a viewer, create more tailored audiences outside of Close Friends, and extend the duration of a Story beyond 24 hours, among others.

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Since it shares similarities with Instagram, Facebook Plus offers much of the same features. WhatsApp Plus, however, offers more customization options including new themes, ringtones, and stickers.

If that’s not enough, Meta has also released a new subscription system for Meta AI. Though the basic use of the AI is still free, the new Meta One Plus and Meta One Premium plans offer more capacity and performance for power users. The company is also testing new creator-focused plans, Meta One Essential and Meta One Advanced.

Of course, the new AI-based plans are more focused on those who actually use the AI software. Meanwhile, the three app plans are more for regular users. Facebook Plus and Instagram Plus will cost US$ 3.99 per month. Meanwhile, WhatsApp Plus will cost US$ 2.99 per month.

Apps

Meta quietly launches Forum app for Facebook Groups

The app highlights discussions from Facebook Groups.

Published

May 22, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Since the rise of other platforms, Facebook Groups haven’t enjoyed as much popularity anymore. Despite this (or maybe even to help with this), Meta has unleashed an all-new app called Forum.

Designed specifically with Facebook Groups in mind, Forum collates discussions from Groups that the user might be interested in. Much like the websites of the same name from the 2000s, the app wants to feature conversations, rather than canned content that the algorithm shoves towards users on the main Facebook feed.

Users can also ask questions. Forum will sift through real discussions to find an answer. The closest analog today is searching Reddit for troubleshooting questions to get answers based on human experience. The main feed of the new app, however, feels more in tune with Quora’s concept.

That said, it’s a refreshing way to bring social media back to human-made feeds. It’s also a stark admission that the main Facebook feed (and, frankly, Instagram too) is just too inundated with content that users are not interested in.

Lately, Instagram also made the same admission by launching its own “lightweight” app called Instants. Like Forum, Instants was made to recapture the essence of Instagram before the rise of the almighty algorithm.

Forum, however, was launched with much less fanfare than Instants. There was no announcement. Rather, it’s just a casual drop from out of nowhere. The app is available now on the App Store and the Play Store.

Apps

Apple Sports: Free app expands globally ahead of World Cup

Personalized, intuitive experience to get fans ready for the World Cup

Published

May 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

Apple has expanded the availability of its free Apple Sports iPhone app to more than 90 new countries and regions.

This brings the app’s total global footprint to over 170 markets. The massive expansion comes just weeks before the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup this June.

It only means the standalone app is positioned as the primary real-time tracking fan for millions of football fans worldwide.

The rollout shifts Apple’s strategy toward global sports integration by providing the utility completely free of charge on the App Store.

A massive influx of international users are expected to use the app, as it provides a more direct experience — eliminating the need for third-party score tracking platforms.

As part of the personalized, real-time FIFA World Cup coverage, the app is introducing dedicated tournament features.

This includes allowing users to explore group stage standings, follow specific national teams, and view the current bracket through tournament bracket view.

In addition, visual formations for each team’s starting lineup will be provided ahead of every match.

Apple Sports is also tailored for those who have an entire ecosystem of Apple devices. The app can deliver real-time updates directly to a user’s iPhone Lock Screen and Apple Watch.

Fans can further add widgets to their iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Home Screens, and jump easily into the Apple TV app with a single tap to find live matches.